Rheta Mae McAllister Martin, age 90, of Loganville, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Abbey Hospice.

Rheta was born on January 11, 1936, in Barre, Vermont, to Owen and Lyle McAllister. She was raised in Barre alongside her beloved sister, Kay Pinkston. Her childhood was filled with family, adventure, and memories that she carried with her throughout her life.

Rheta often spoke fondly of growing up in Vermont during a much simpler time. Summers were spent at the family camp on Lake Champlain, while winters brought skiing and skating. She remembered a time when children could walk into town without worry, neighbors knew one another, and family gatherings were a regular part of life.

Her childhood also included the unforgettable years of World War II. She remembered air-raid practices, rationing of gasoline, sugar and butter, and scrap drives at school. Her mother contributed to the war effort by folding bandages and knitting socks for servicemen. Her father, who worked in a woolen mill making blankets and other wool materials for the military, was initially exempt from military service. At age 32, however, he felt it was his duty to serve and enlisted in the Navy.

One of Rheta's treasured childhood adventures came when her father was stationed in Wilmington, North Carolina. Because he could not come home for Christmas, Rheta and her sister Kay traveled by train with their mother from Vermont to Wilmington. They stayed for several weeks at the Cape Fear Hotel and even celebrated Rheta's ninth birthday there with soldiers from the nearby base as her guests.

On the trip home, her father was able to join them briefly before shipping overseas. They changed trains in New York, giving Rheta the opportunity to visit Radio City Music Hall, see the Rockettes, and watch National Velvet, starring Elizabeth Taylor. They returned to Vermont to several feet of snow, and shortly afterward her father was sent overseas to the South Pacific.

Rheta met John Martin in Jacksonville. The two eloped and were married on April 19, 1955, in St. Marys, Florida. They recently celebrated seventy-one years of marriage together in their home in Loganville, Georgia. Together they built a loving family and shared a lifetime of perseverance, and cherished memories.

Rheta and John were blessed with four children: Gary (Ermine), Rusty (Jayne), Cyndi Scheie (Scott), and Tommy (Tina). Rheta was a proud grandmother to Crystal (Jason), Mike (Vanessa), David, Dusty , Casey (Olga), Jesse (Mary), Trevor (Lauren), Tyler (Kelly), Drew (Cortney),Brandi (Matt), Taylor Watkins (Brad), and Tinsley. She was also blessed with eighteen great-grandchildren: Riley, Addison, Bria, Shaylee, Judah, Evie, Xander, Natalie, Anna, River, Everett, Brock, Gage, Haylen, Jackson, Jasper, Ethan, Asher,Lilah and Violet along with many beloved extended family members and friends.

Rheta loved to travel and enjoyed discovering new places and making memories along the way. She also had a special love for animals and found great joy in their companionship throughout her life. Her love of family, travel, animals, and the simple pleasures of life were woven into the many stories and memories she shared with those around her.

Family was always at the heart of Rheta's life. She cherished her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister, extended family, and the many friends who became part of her life. The stories she shared about her childhood, her family, and the experiences that shaped her will continue to be treasured by those who knew and loved her.

Rheta will be remembered for her devotion to family, love of animals, adventurous spirit, and the beautiful life she shared with her family and the generations that followed.

The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ms. Rheta Mae McAllister Martin.